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Suarez to play in JDC Pro-Am

Sophia Suarez has caddied for the the John Deere Classic Pro Am before. This year, she’s going to get to switch roles and play in it.

The Princeton High School senior-to-be golfer has been selected to represent Chevrolet and IHSA girls golf at the John Deere Classic Pro Am July 7 and 9 at TPC Deere Run in Silvis.

She was nominated by PHS athletic director Jesse Brandt and selected by Piehl’s Motors to represent their dealerships.

“I’m super excited for the opportunity to be able to play with the pros and be able to represent the IHSA girls golf and Princeton High School,” Suarez said. “It really hit me when I got to meet Jordan Spieth the other day. I can’t wait to see what else this experience holds.”

While the tournament is a month away, Suarez already got a taste of what lies ahead by meeting Spieth, the reigning JDC champion, at a recent press conference. They also filmed a TV promo together with the reserved Suarez landing a speaking role.

“It’s actually really embarrassing. I did talk in it,” said Suarez, noting they give a plug to Chevy as being No. 1 and a thanks to select Chevy dealers. She is not sure when the commercial will air.

PHS coach Will Gross was happy to see Suarez selected.

“What a wonderful experience and a great honor to such a wonderful young lady,” he said. “It really excites me to know that her dedication, hard work and leadership skills have paid off in absolutely huge way.

“She has been humble through the process and demonstrated exactly what the opportunity and game stand for.”

While Suarez has caddied the tournament, she has yet to play the course.

Suarez was the 2013 BCR Golfer of the Year as a junior for Princeton. The Three Rivers Conference runner-up led all area golfers with a 48.4 average. She’s played a key role in getting the Tigresses to the sectionals the past two years and aims for a three-peat this fall.